Humane Technology offers a range of research and consultancy services in ergonomics. For example, in addition to undertaking ergonomic assessments in a wide range of office, factory and industrial environments, commissions have included:

• Risk assessments of assault courses, ultrasonography and the use of sign language;
• Ergonomic evaluations of 360° hydraulic excavator cabs, ladies’ disposable razors and card shuffling devices used in casinos;
• Investigations of clusters of musculoskeletal disorders in journalists and medical practitioners for which there appeared to be no obvious cause.

Due to the sensitive nature of many of the projects undertaken, we do not publish a list of clients.

Straightforward advice

Lengthy experience of acting as a consultant suggests that in many cases the 'solution' already exists within the organisation. What is sometimes lacking is the confidence that it is the right 'solution'. In other situations, the primary role of the consultant is to act as an independent source of information and advice, an outsider who clearly has no vested interest or underlying agenda, who can inform and, if appropriate, reassure and, if valid, reinforce the message which may already be being conveyed within the organisation, up or down, but which for some reason is not being heard.

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Walk-through audits

Experience suggests the majority of organisations intend to comply with health and safety Regulations but sometimes fail to do so, perhaps unknowingly. Most significantly, many organisations fail to document adequately that they do so. Sometimes, all that is needed is a brief visit with 'an objective pair of eyes' and a verbal report, rather than a detailed investigation.

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Fully-costed proposals

Where a detailed evaluation or investigation is required a written proposal is prepared which spells out: what access and resources are required of the client; the costs involved; the time scale of the proposed work; and the milestones and deliverables of the project.

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Written reports

Any report which has not been produced 'for the sole purpose of litigation' may have to be disclosed if the product or system of work which was the subject of any report is implicated in a personal injury claim. From lengthy experience of investigating the liability aspects of personal injury claims it is clear that careful consideration must be given to the wording of any written report following some consultancy activity. The report must be objective, but leave no 'hostages to fortune'. It is surprising, and disturbing, how often sloppily worded reports by well-intentioned but inexperienced 'consultants' or by 'apostles' of a particular school of thought, are cited by successful claimants in subsequent personal injury claims against the employer who commissioned the report.

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Fee Rates

Humane Technology is not the cheapest provider of ergonomics consultancy services, indeed we are probably one of the more expensive specialist providers. Our fee rates simply reflect the quality of service provided. Our clients sometimes do not like what we have to tell them, but acknowledge, sometimes in hindsight, the value of what has been provided.

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Contact us

If you have a particular issue or problem with which you think we might be able to assist, please telephone for a confidential discussion 0116 230 2989 or email b.g.pearce@HumaneTechnology.co.uk. If we do not have the relevant experience or pertinent expertise we will say so and endeavour to put you in touch with someone who has.

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